Gene Therapy Trial Aims at Hearing Loss

November 29, 2014 The first gene therapy treatment aimed at restoring lost hearing in patients from a variety of causes is being tested at University of Kansas Hospital, Fox 4 Kansas City reported. Some 21 patients involved in the trial suffer from hearing loss caused by noise, medications and disease.

Gene therapy works by replacing genes or introducing new ones using reprogrammed viruses, scientists have been able to correct genetic disorders, induce regenerative healing, and help tune the human immune response to defeat diseases that defy conventional treatments. It often permanently cures patients of their ailments when successful.

In the case of the Kansas City trials, the therapy seeks to regenerate the tiny cells within the human ear that detect and relay sound to the brain. Results indicating whether or not the therapy can restore hearing should be known within six to eight weeks, however it may be a year before these results are made public.

The Pioneers website where trial information and contact details are provided for potential candidates explained the process in greater detail:

The study drug, CGF166, is a gene therapy. Gene therapy is an
experimental technique that uses genes to treat disease. The technique
allows doctors to insert a gene into a patient's cells in an effort to
treat their hearing loss. This is done with a common flu-type virus that
has been weakened so it can't multiply and carries the gene that is
expected to help existing cells in the inner ear to become new
functional hair cells.